Latest news with #Macra
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford man takes second place in national competition
Kilkenny Macra club held the festivities this year, which had the 24 contestants travelling from around Ireland to go through a series of challenges and interviews to be crowned a winner. A jam-packed weekend was in store for Eddie, whose hobbies and interests include bagpipe playing, hiking, jiving, singing, and birdwatching, and of course, his Macra club. Following a group activity once he set foot at the hotel, he was whisked off for an on-stage interview with MC Aindriú dePaor from 2FM. The following morning he was called into a private interview before his placing was announced at a banquet later that evening. Club member Sinead Kinsella said they were not surprised that he managed to charm the expert panel of judges. "Eddie's enthusiasm and charisma were evident throughout the weekend, particularly during his standout performance on the bagpipes, which showcased his unique talent and flair,' she said. The judging panel included Martin Merrick of the Irish Farmers Journal, 2024 Kilkenny Rose Lisa O'Rourke, and well-known auctioneer and local personality George Chandler. After careful deliberation, Tipperary's Sean Kelly was crowned the 2025 Mr. Personality. "Wexford Macra extend congratulations to Eddie on his outstanding achievement, noting that he did both Wexford and his native Cork proud. We also extend our congratulations to Sean Kelly on his win and commend his contributions to Macra,' she added.
Agriland
11-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
O'Neill takes the reins as Macra president at AGM
Josephine O'Neill was ratified as the new president of Macra at the organisation's AGM in Ennis, Co. Clare yesterday (Saturday, May 10). O'Neill, a secondary school teacher from Callan in Co. Kilkenny succeeded outgoing president, Elaine Houlihan. Former European Commissioner for Financial Services, Mairéad McGuinness also attended the event. At the AGM, McGuinness spoke about the importance of working together, thanked outgoing president Houlihan for all the work she did as president, and wished incoming president O'Neill all the best as she assumes the role. After lunch, the outgoing vice presidents and sub committee chairs addressed the conference, and received presentations from Houlihan. As outgoing president, Houlihan spoke to the conference, before handing over the chains of office to the new president. President O'Neill spoke about her excitement as she takes on the challenges of the role, and made a presentation to Houlihan to commemorate her two years as president. Macra CEO Mick Curran also thanked the outgoing presidential team, and expressed that he was looking forward to working with the incoming team. The day ended with a banquet, and an evening of entertainment and celebration. Macra president Josephine O'Neill with former EU Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness Macra Last month (April 2025), Tipperary dairy farmer, Sean Kelly, has spoken of his jubilation after being crowned this year's winner of Macra's famed Mr. Personality competition. The 32-year-old told Agriland that he has been a proud member of his local Macra club in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, for the past decade, having originally joined the club while studying at Gurteen Agricultural College in Ballingarry. The humble Nenagh native has accredited the organisation for transforming his self-confidence, which he has branded the biggest achievement in his Macra journey to date. Sean Kelly explained: 'I've gone from someone who would have had very poor self confidence, especially at a younger age around public speaking. The thought alone of speaking in front of a group of people would have sent me running a million miles away.'
Agriland
01-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Tipperary dairy farmer crowned Macra Mr. Personality 2025
Tipperary dairy farmer, Sean Kelly, has spoken of his jubilation after being crowned this year's winner of Macra's famed Mr. Personality competition. The 32-year-old told Agriland that he has been a proud member of his local Macra club in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, for the past decade, having originally joined the club while studying at Gurteen Agricultural College in Ballingarry. Kelly's personal Macra story is peppered with personal triumphs, having risen up the ranks from grassroots membership to the helm with prestigious titles, including: Club chair; County treasurer; National council representative (NCR) in north Tipperary for three years; Sports officer; Young farmer development group chair; Member of the Macra board of directors 2023-2024; Vice-chair of the Agricultural Affairs Committee 2023-2024; Current chair of Agricultural Affairs Committee. The humble Nenagh native has accredited the organisation for transforming his self-confidence, which he has branded the biggest achievement in his Macra journey to date. Sean Kelly explained: 'I've gone from someone who would have had very poor self confidence, especially at a younger age around public speaking. The thought alone of speaking in front of a group of people would have sent me running a million miles away. 'Now I'm someone who's actively representing and voicing the concerns of young farmers at meetings as chair of Macra's Agricultural Affairs Committee. That's probably the biggest accolade I've achieved. 'The great thing about Macra is that it can push you out of your comfort zone because when you take on those roles, you have a responsibility to deliver, so there is huge room for personal growth within the organisation.' After his election as representative of north Tipperary in the county rounds, Kelly went on to face 24 other contenders at the nationals, which took place over the course of last weekend (April 25-27) at The Hub in Kilkenny city. 2025 Macra Mr. Personality competitors. Source: Macra Facebook The competition comprised various stages of evaluation, including both a staged public and private interview, as well as ice-breaker activities like bowling, jiving and team bonding exercises. Speak about their jiving exploits, Kelly commented: 'I don't know if you could even call it jiving, we were attempting to jive but God knows we weren't the most coordinated of groups.' The interviews touched on the candidate's personal lives, the extent of their Macra involvement and community engagement over the years, which were then assessed by the judges in attendance: Agricultural journalist, Martin Merrick; Kilkenny Rose of Tralee, Lisa O'Rourke; Kilkenny Mart auctioneer, George Candler. Despite having 10 years of Macra membership and leadership roles under his belt, 2025 marked the first time Kelly competed for the title of Mr. Personality. According to Kelly, he faced stiff competition remarking that all of the hopefuls would have made a worthy winner. 'I suppose I always would have felt that there was always someone who would be a better fit to represent north Tipperary,' he continued. 'But this year I just said, you know what? I've been in the organisation a long time, I've done a lot for the organisation so I'll throw my name in the hat and see how I go. I was just fortunate on the night to win the title. For Kelly, his personal journal of self development has run in parallel with his own club's success over the years, which the farmer claimed is currently thriving. He added: 'I suppose I knew going down that I had done a huge amount for the organisation, but I have also gained a huge amount from it as well. 'I kind of look at Macra the same way I look at the farm – every farmer wants to pass the farm on in a better place than it was when they received it, and that's my aim with Macra. 'Even with my own club in Nenagh, it was tough going for a few years. Myself and Bill Gleeson would have to swap chair and secretary roles every year because there was no one else who wanted to do it. 'But now, for the first time ever, neither of us have a role in our club because new blood has come through which is absolutely brilliant to see, especially given how isolated rural Ireland has become. Macra is an absolutely fantastic outlet to have for young people in these areas.'
Agriland
28-04-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Limited edition shirt to raise funds for farmer mental health
Ballybar Ireland has launched the limited edition 'Moove' shirt, in support of Macra's mental health initiative, Make the Moove. Following the success of last year's 'Take a Break' coffee morning at Coppenagh House Farm, Co. Carlow, which raised over €2,000 for the Make the Moove initiative, Ballybar Ireland launched the shirt. A portion of all sales of the shirt will go directly to support mental health in the agricultural sector. The idea for the coffee morning grew from an observation about the impact the relentless weather last winter had on farmers, and those working in the agricultural sector. Founder of Ballybar Ireland and Coppenagh House Farm, Ciara Stanley felt compelled to create a space where people could take a breath, talk and reconnect. The event offered farmers a calm welcoming space to step away from the pressures of the day-to-day grind, to support their mental health. Building on that spirit, Ballybar Ireland designed the shirt in a rich denim-inspired colour, finished with a smart navy contrast on the collar and cuffs. Mental health Each of the Ballybar Moove shirts sold will help to fund Macra's Make the Moove initiative, which provides mental health supports across the farming community. Stanley said: 'We knew we wanted to do more, and what better way than through something we know and that our customers love and trust, our Ballybar shirts. Running a business can often feel like a series of highs and lows — questioning yourself, worrying about the next step, wondering if you're doing enough. 'It's a reminder that asking for help, or simply reaching out, is not a weakness but a real strength.' 'Through this shirt, we hope to keep that conversation going and remind people that they are never alone, whether in farming, in business, or in life,' she added. The Ballybar Moove shirt is strictly limited edition with no restocks. Macra Earlier this month (April 4) Josephine O'Neill from Callan in Co. Kilkenny, was elected as the next Macra president. O'Neill beat fellow contestant for the role, Conor Murphy, a member of Whitechurch Macra club in Co. Cork with a total of 82 votes to Murphy's 53 votes. There was one spoilt vote. William Clancy, Borrisoleigh Macra, Co. Tipperary was elected as Munter vice-president. Coming from a beef and tillage background, the Kilkenny woman has been a member of Macra for 12 years.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford man to represent the county at the annual Mr Personality Festival
Enniscorthy Guardian Eddie Casey will represent Wexford at the 18th Annual Mr. Personality Festival, organised by Kilkenny County Macra and taking place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. The 24 year old is an active member of Bree Macra and has listed getting the opportunity to visit the European Parliament as one of his most memorable moments. Macra is a voluntary organisation representing a thriving community of 13,500 young people from rural Ireland. His hobbies and interests include bagpipe playing, hiking, jiving, singing, and birdwatching and he believes he will make a good representative for Wexford because he is very passionate about Macra and meeting new people. A jam-packed weekend will be ahead of him – as soon as the contestants arrive at the hotel, they will be whisked away for their first group activity of the weekend. The on-stage interviews will kick off in the evening and will be conducted by MC, Aindriú dePaor from 2FM. This will be followed by music from the much-anticipated Abbeyfolk and DJ until late. On Saturday morning the contestants are given a chance to have a private interview with the judges before they are set a number of challenges. On Saturday evening, they will then be donning their suits and meeting with Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services to have their official photos taken. This is followed by the banquet, where The Fogues will be playing hit after hit until Mr Personality 2025 is announced at midnight. Kilkenny County Macra ensures that there will be no shortage of Macra activity during the weekend in Kilkenny, seeing the return of the Hurling and Camogie competition this year on the Saturday. In addition to that, they will also be hosting the National Volleyball Finals the following day. Tickets for the weekend are currently on sale at 'early-bird' rates and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
